Electrified suspended ceiling grid

Abstract

A suspended ceiling grid tee of conventional cross-sectional shape having a plurality of generally planar parallel and orthogonal surfaces and at least two electrically isolated conductor strips attached to the planar areas of the tee surfaces extending along substantially the full length of the tee, a connector for supplying low voltage electrical power to or from the conductors, the connector having a configuration complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the grid tee and including at least two electrical contacts for energizing each of said conductor strips when said connector is positioned on said grid tee.

Description

[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 118,067, filed Nov. 26, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to suspended ceiling structures and, in particular, to electrification of such ceiling structures.PRIOR ART[0003]Commercial building spaces such as offices, laboratories, light manufacturing facilities, health facilities, meeting and banquet hall facilities, educational facilities, common areas in hotels, apartments, retirement homes, retail stores, restaurants and the like are commonly constructed with suspended ceilings. These suspended ceiling installations are ubiquitous, owing to their many recognized benefits. Such ceilings ordinarily comprise a rectangular open grid suspended by wire from a superstructure and tile or panels carried by the grid and enclosing the open spaces between the grid elements. The most common form of grid elements has an inverted T-shaped cross-section. The T-shape often includes a hollow b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention has application in the unique conditions that an electrified low voltage suspended ceiling grid affords. The rigid structure of the grid elements allows them to readily support the electrical conductors and, in some instances, form the conductors themselves without presenting a shock hazard, thereby eliminating the need for conduit, raceways, or other separate support structures or shields. Further, the typical grid tee has a plurality of planar faces that readily accommodate the presence of separate conductor strips, each isolated from the other and exposed or capable of easily being exposed to effectuate a connection for receiving or supplying power. Multiple circuits on a grid enable the use of multiple voltages and simplified signal transmission.

Problems solved by technology

As the use of electronics grows, the consumption of low voltage electrical power likewise grows.

Individual power supplies located at the site of or integrated in an electronic device, the most frequent arrangements today, are often quite inefficient in transforming the relatively high voltage AC utility power to a lower DC voltage required by an electronic device.

Typically, they can consume appreciable electric power in a standby mode when the associated electronic device is shut off.

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